28.7.

2009 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 175/43

Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘The social implications of transport and energy developments’ (2009/C 175/08)

On 17 January 2008, the European Economic and Social Committee, acting under Rule 29(2) of its Rules of Procedure, decided to draw up an own-initiative opinion on:

The social implications of transport and energy developments.

The Section for Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the Information Society, which was responsible for pre­ paring the Committee’s work on the subject, adopted its opinion on 10 November 2008. The rapporteur was Ms BATUT.

At its 449th plenary session, held on 3 and 4 December 2008 (meeting of 4 December), the European Eco­ nomic and Social Committee adopted the following opinion by 107 votes to 29, with 15 abstentions.

1. Conclusions and recommendations 1.2 Recommendations

1.1 Conclusions 1.2.1 The EESC considers that it would be socially useful at times of rising prices for the EU to encourage some categories of consumers to differentiate, on the basis of dialogue, between the ‘essential’ component, where support could be offered,1.1.1 Transport and energy, an inseparable pair which are and the ‘optional’ component of the consumption of trans­vital for competitiveness, development, wellbeing and cohesion, port and energy.are under three different kinds of pressure — economic, socialand environmental — against the background of shortfalls inEuropean energy supply and instability of external supply, whichcause prices to fluctuate and may allow them to keep rising for a 1.2.2 The Structural Funds could take on a new role in pro­period of years. moting energy solidarity and preserving public mobility

The Committee considers that a broad-based, forward-looking 1.2.3 The allocation of public funds between R&D activitiesdebate is needed on the essential character of the transport-energy should be balanced at EU level to optimise climate protection andpair for the people of Europe, on the impact which it has on their the Union’s energy independence.way of life, especially in difficult times, and on the action whichthe European Union could take in this area in order to safeguardthe wellbeing of its people. The EESC would like to see an ongoing effort to promote a level of research likely to lead to rapid and significant advances on new energy sources and their use, with no let-up in this constant effort1.1.2 Maintaining the European social model depends partly as soon as prices fall, as happened following the first oil shock.on the transport-energy pair, the rising price of which over thelong term will affect the lives of individuals, businesses andemployees, as well as mobility and employment in general. Thetransport-energy pair is becoming the fourth exclusion fac­ 1.2.4 The legal rules on state aid should systematically exempttor, alongside housing, employment and wages. The fact that national support funds from competition rules concerningsome people do not have access to transport or energy excludes research, thus giving investors a degree of security likely to encourage the use of new technologies and the maintenance andthem from e-society. The success of the Lisbon strategy is under creation of jobs.threat on three fronts — social, economic and environmental.

1.1.3 The market and prices: consumer prices incorporate fac­ 1.2.5 The extension of the RSFF (1) to innovative SMEs wouldtors like liberalisation, the euro exchange rate, the state of the help to develop their competitiveness while encouraging specificfinancial markets, tax, the cost of renewables, the fight against cli­ improvements to the transport-energy pair.mate change and external elements. The market cannot regulateeverything on its own. Several instruments should be prepared to (1) RSFF: Risk-Sharing Finance Facility, a cooperation agreement set upboost social inclusion and to promote a fairer apportionment of by the EIB on 5.6.2007 and intended for RDI in Europe, with EUR 10costs and prices. bn of funding.C 175/44 EN Official Journal of the European Union 28.7.2009

1.2.6 The extension of the EGF (2) and the broadening of its 1.2.8 Moreover, at company level, the EESC considers it nec­access criteria would help mitigate the negative impact on work­ essary, in relation to business and services in the European Union:ers of measures to combat climate change. — to encourage the launch of social dialogue and negotiation on essential transport and energy expenditure, as a com­ ponent of the minimum wage;1.2.7 In order to help the European economy remain competi­tive while also ensuring social cohesion, the Committee wouldlike to see: — to promote the negotiation of sustainable mobility plans for business or services;

— a blueprint for a common industrial policy angled — and to establish a system of EMAS-type certification for towards sustainable development and successful transport businesses; co-modality (3); — to assess the gains attributable to the certified reduction of energy and transport consumption by businesses or services, in accordance with the criteria to be laid down by— an energy policy based on solidarity between Member means of dialogue, with a view to sharing them out in States and consistent with climate protection; accordance with a method negotiated between businesses and their employees;

— studies on the appropriateness and feasibility of a Euro­ — to carry out qualitative studies on the health of employ­ pean energy SGI for the public, with a common approach ees, with regard to the use of transport and the energy to prices, tax at the pump, financial security rules, economic sources to which they are exposed, with a view to estab­ development and climate protection: the role of energy and lishing safeguard measures. transport public services in the Member States (4), at the intersection of regulations, the regions, respect for people’s fundamental rights and employment, would thus be 1.2.9 At EU level the EESC considers it necessary to open improved; up civil dialogue:

— on the cultural dimension and the human challenge which

need to be met throughout the Union to ensure that trans­— quantitative and qualitative objectives and measurement port and energy are accessible to all at affordable prices, thus instruments on the efficiency of separating network and dis­ contributing to human welfare and understanding of the tribution activities, and the impact on prices; diversity of the Union;

— on the promotion of civic education covering the proper

— consumer surveys on the harmonisation of European taxa­ management of transport and energy, beginning with the tion at the petrol pump, with the results widely publicised, primary cycle; and, once appropriate indicators have been drawn up, analy­ sis of the impact on the environment of essential transport; — on public health in general by means of broad-based sur­ veys, in the context of the use of transport and energy sources to which people are exposed, with a view to estab­ lishing safeguard measures;— the opening of a genuine dialogue on future climate plans in order to prevent distortions of competition and social dumping. — the EESC considers that the Union could establish a standar­ dised information system, comparable to that for VAT (not a label), with the aim of raising the awareness of the pub­(2) European Globalisation Adjustment Fund. lic to transport/energy/environmental issues, with a line(3) Definition of co-modality: ‘the efficient use of different modes of being added to the label on every consumer good reading: transport on their own and in combinations’, June 2006 mid-term APCO2 — added production of CO2; review of the Commission White Paper on European transport policy for 2010: time to decide.(4) Article 73 TEC: ‘Aids shall be compatible with this Treaty if they meet — the EESC considers that the standardised system developed the needs of coordination of transport or if they represent reimburse­ in Europe could be used in world trade negotiations, and ment for the discharge of certain obligations inherent in the concept that the results could be incorporated into existing trade of a public service’. See also Regulation (EEC) No 1107/70 of the documents, based on the Edifact model (5), with annual Council of 4 June 1970 on the granting of aids for transport by rail, road and inland waterway, OJ L 130, 15.6.1970, p. 1-3 and Regula­ tion (EC) No 1370/2007 of the European Parliament and of the (5) Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce, and Council of 23 October 2007 on public passenger transport services Transport, a UN standard which defines both syntax and content: this by rail and by road and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) is adapted by national and sectoral standardisation bodies to ensure Nos 1191/69 and 1107/70. that the needs of each activity are taken into account.28.7.2009 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 175/45

monitoring by civil society, by analogy with the UN’s Eco­ — The interaction of prices which have an impact on one nomic Commission for Europe (UNECE) which reports each another: energy prices on transport prices, the price of oil on year on Edifact (6) to the Economic and Social Council of the the price of gas, which together determine sales policy; the United Nations. The Union could make use of the system at practices of producers and distributors which drive the global level. increase and extract the maximum profit and then halve prices when there is a lack of liquidity.

2. Possible areas of action for the EU

— Exchange rates: the strength of the euro against the dollar

2.1 Diplomacy before the crisis ought to have helped to cushion the price rise, but very strong demand and high prices still impacted on the Eurogroup countries, particularly as high national2.1.1 The EU’s energy independence, economic growth, main­ taxes are levied at the pump (8); and since the crisis began thetaining Europeans’ standard of living and social and environmen­ falling euro/dollar exchange rate has reduced the effect oftal sustainability are connected with the supply capacity of the lower producer prices.Member States.

2.2 Markets — The state of the financial markets: the lack of liquidity caused by the crisis of late 2008 has led to a fall in the price of crude oil, with sellers adapting their prices to the ability of2.2.1 Demand for transport and energy and the production of buyers to pay, so as to minimise their losses; but the price ofgreenhouse gases are increasing. European markets for energy petrol at the pump at the start of the crisis benefited littleand the network industries remain fragmented, although there is from the decreases, while the economic and social fallout ofa trend towards integration (2006 — linking of the markets of the crisis was beginning to be felt.France, Belgium and the Netherlands, probably to be extended toinclude Germany in 2009, establishment of a European spot mar­ket (7), search for possible mergers). The path chosen, liberalisa­tion with separation of networks (gas, electricity) may nonethelesspose threats in future, such as purchase by non-EU funds (sover­ — Taxation, which is levied at high rates on energy and differseign wealth funds), acute shortages, with no jointly managed between Member States, should be reviewed and properlyreserve capacity and lack of control over prices, with disastrous harmonised between European countries.consequences for consumers. Nuclear power is once again a cru­cial issue for the European Union: it would be irresponsible notto address it at Community level. — The niche for renewables: They took advantage of global energy price increases which counteracted their initial cost,2.2.2 Travel is necessary for work, tourism and getting to know but there is as yet little tangible gain for the average con­Europe and other Europeans. This declines when energy prices are sumer. At the same time, the fall in costs might weaken theirtoo high, with serious implications for individuals, companies, position.employment and economic activity.

2.2.3 An energy mix and inter-European solidarity are needed

to prevent further fragmentation of the market. A mobile and — Externalities such as the polluter pays principle already playinclusive society needs coherent regulation and regulatory a part, and others could play a part — such as opening up toenforcement bodies. And civil society can point the way. true competition between suppliers of oil products or a har­ monised European diesel price.

2.3 Price formation

2.3.2 The EESC believes that the role of the EU should be to2.3.1 Factors affecting the formation of the prices paid by the promote solidarity, promote a master plan for a common indus­consumer: trial policy based on research into sustainable development and successful co-modality in the transport sector and improve Euro­ pean political stability through regulations. A serious study of the— Liberalisation: consumers have not experienced the full impact on prices of the separation of network and distribution or impact of the lower prices which were promised. operating activities would be helpful in drawing up these policies.

(6) The 56-member Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), is one (8) The German Federal Statistical Office DESTATIS estimates that energy of the five regional commissions of the UN’s Economic and Social prices have pushed up producer prices by 3.8 % in one year. In the Council (ECOSOC). In addition to Europe, it also covers the United same period, prices rose by 7 %, oil derivatives by 19 % and electric­ States, Canada, Israel and the Central Asian republics. ity by nearly 10 %. Without energy, prices would have risen by only(7) A spot market deals in currencies, rates or commodities for same-day 2.7 % over the year, according to DESTATIS. (Quoted by the news­ or next-day delivery. paper Les Echos, France, 21-22 March 2008.)C 175/46 EN Official Journal of the European Union 28.7.2009

2.4 Funding make this parameter a tool for maintaining economic develop­ ment while also tackling climate change and promoting consumer interests by a fairer allocation of costs.2.4.1 P u b l i c f u n d i n g

It is only necessary here to highlight certain aspects relating to the

2.5 Taxationsocial implications (9). In the case of public funds, careful thoughtshould be given at Community level to their allocation betweenactivities yielding benefits in the short term and research work, inorder to obtain the best balance at EU level between climate pro­tection, the Union’s energy independence and public welfare. Any 2.5.1 Taxation plays a part in price formation (the environmen­balances remaining from the Community budget that have been tal badge is the most recent example of this). The Member Statesallocated but not used should systematically be placed in a fund have retained a certain amount of discretion. A policy of closerto support research and innovation. A guarantee could be given market integration would no doubt lead the EU to review the taxunder the State aid legislation that national funds would beexempt from the application of the competition rules, which situation and would mean greater transparency for thewould give legal certainty to investors, thereby encouraging the citizen-consumer.use of new technologies and the creation and maintenance ofemployment. Support should be given to SMEs to help them reachthe critical level of growth defined in Lisbon in 2000, maintainand increase employment and maintain their innovation capacity. 2.5.2 The TIPP, an excise duty defined by the Union, is levied by volume and VAT by value. VAT, like any indirect tax, is regres­ sive, in that everyone has to pay it regardless of their income: the2.4.2 A i d f o r c o n s u m e r s most disadvantaged socio-economic groups are therefore hardest hit. The people of the Member States are, however, unequal when it comes to tax at the pump, and this should be the subject of pub­The European Union has powerful tools (Structural Funds, lic studies and enquiries aimed at consumers with a view to find­regional policy). Before the crisis the international experts thought ing the best solution leading to convergence. ‘European’ dieselthat the upward trend in energy prices was a long-term phenom­ would have an immediate transparency effect (10).enon. The European Commission might examine the Communitysolidarity needed to limit exclusion by energy poverty shouldprices go up again and thus avoid a damaging impact on the EU’sGDP, and in the event of a depression (falling prices accompaniedby falling consumption as a result of reduced purchasing power, 2.6 Researchamong other things), in order to support demand.

One of the social implications of transport and energy develop­

ments is to make everyone prisoners of rising prices when exter­ 2.6.1 The new impetus to productive investment must be on anal pressures generated by globalisation and the financialisation scale likely to lead to significant and rapid advances, withoutof the economy, which led to the crisis, are depressing household which it will be impossible to ensure that the EU maintains itsincomes and purchasing power and the EU is experiencing under- leading role in the fight against climate change, or to preserve theemployment. Furthermore, prices depend, to a large extent, on living standards of Europeans or the future of Europe. A free sys­indirect taxation, which is not progressive. tem for granting European patents in the field of renewable ener­ gies and clean, economic transport would reduce the lead time between discovery and marketing. Such a policy would not beThe EESC believes that it would be socially useful for the EU to incompatible with Article 194(1)(c) of the Treaty of Lisbon. Weencourage price differentiation between ‘essential’ and ‘optional’ have to take certain reasonable risks. A 20 % increase in energytravel for the first kilometres travelled and the first litres of petrol efficiency is now a requirement for EIB investments. This could beand kilowatts of electricity used, based on an estimate of use and aimed at innovation (11) and made available to a number ofcategories of user, to be determined by dialogue. Aid systems, for companies.the benefit of the most disadvantaged, could then be establishedfor the essential component. (10) ‘Taxes on fuel complete the transport infrastructure charging picture by adding external costs to the prices paid by users. In particular, they incorporate the external cost component linked to greenhouse gasThe EESC considers that studies should be carried out on the fea­ emissions. With the road transport sector now fully opened up tosibility of a European energy SGI which could be harnessed to the competition, the absence of harmonised fuel taxes seems increasinglycommon energy policy. A common approach to prices would to be an obstacle to the smooth functioning of the internal market.’ White Paper — European transport policy for 2010: time to decide, European Commission, 2001.(9) EESC opinion, in particular Alleweldt, Preparing transport infrastructure (11) See EESC Opinion, Rapporteur Mr Wolf, The possible positive or for the future, CESE 93/2004, 28.1.2004; Krzaklewski, Trans-European negative impact of increased environmental and energy requirements networks: Towards an integrated approach, 28.3.2008, OJ C 204, (policies) on the competitiveness of EU industry, 20.2.2008, 9.8.2008, p. 25. OJ C 162, 25.6.2008, p. 72.28.7.2009 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 175/47

The opportunity for SMEs to benefit from the RSFF (see With a legally secure national and European framework, the shar­point 1.2.5) could increase the implementation of innovations in ing of actions between the regional and local authorities, compa­all regions. For example, car-sharing initiatives are developing but, nies and households could be optimised.as in St Brieuc and Rennes (12), they are dependent on the level oflocal subsidies, although they offer mobility, lower CO2 emis­sions, time savings and social benefits through their accessibilityto the disadvantaged, given the modest cost of using the service. 2.8 Public services

2.7 The regions

2.8.1 For energy the situation is ‘oligopolistic’ rather than fully competitive. The impact on access to the network and price policy is seen in an unfavourable light by the consumer (e.g. closure of2.7.1 Transport and energy are the lifeblood of the regions small stations and bus services deemed unprofitable, consumerand an opportunity for local development (see the impact of the price rises, cost of energy etc.). National public services operate atopening of high-speed train lines on France’s regions). But trans­ the intersection between regulations, the actions of the regions,port, which was traditionally a driving force for the economy and respect for the fundamental rights of the citizen and employment.spatial planning, becomes a hindrance when energy costs arehigh.

The role of government is to mitigate the impact of change and

the resulting uncertainty for the public. Local authorities should2.7.2 The EU is adopting a policy on energy and the climate act to cushion economic and financial shocks in their areas. Beingwith quantitative targets and it will need instruments to measure in the front line of transport/energy developments, they are seek­them. It would be interesting to measure the qualitative aspects in ing solutions.a harmonised way throughout the Union, and the regional dimen­sion of energy and transport is well placed for evaluating theexpression of needs. At local level a detailed knowledge oftrends makes it easier to manage resources. There is a need for new governance instruments operating at the local, regional, national and Community levels. Community pro­ grammes could be better publicised and more open to experimentation.2.7.3 The regions receive aid from the EU’s regional policy.The breakdown of this aid could be used as a research indicatorof public welfare with regard to transport and energy. Develop­ments in the transport-energy pair can affect entire areas of theeconomy, with serious social consequences when their combined 2.8.2 The distribution of jobs in local labour markets would benegative trends hit a sector like fisheries, whose profits have improved by being linked to the organisation of urban transport.already been eroded by successive price increases in these two The role played by the local public employment services is veryareas. important; they should take account of the new constraints on energy and transport.

2.7.4 The distribution of economic activities and the manage­

ment of residential mobility in the cities (13) determine daily 2.8.3 Regional network coverage is the result of political choicescommuting. A binding local employment clause could be sup­ and investment. Action on price formation means ensuring accessported, as appropriate, by the Structural Funds (whereby a per­ and affordable prices and the inclusion of the disadvantaged.centage of jobs would be reserved for local residents and tax Transport, the need for it, its high cost, and in some cases its scar­benefits would be granted to firms that adopted this policy). city, can be regarded as the fourth factor in exclusion, after hous­Employment, housing, equal opportunities and hence wages and ing, employment and income. There is also a need for carefulthe fourth factor of transport may or may not play a part in pro­ monitoring of the social consequences of the new obligationsmoting social inclusion. which will be imposed on transport (energy-climate package). Economic efficiency can be sought in a systemic approach to transport policy, intermodal links, competitiveness and profitabil­ ity of all the geographical areas and time slots (14), and techno­Solutions which avoid the social impact of adjusting costs borne logical and social research so as to optimise resources and reduceby the community can be found, for example by the coordinating costs. This requires political will and the involvement ofand drawing up of new priorities for urban policy in the areas of stakeholders.housing, employment and transport.

(12) Breton municipality, France: the study group drawing up this opin­ ‘virtual’ local on-demand transport routes with a computerised coor­ ion held a hearing in St Brieuc. dination centre for the integrated of transport mode use by local users(13) EESC Opinion, rapporteur Mr Ribbe,Transport in urban and metropoli­ and providing information on other networks (ITS, Intelligent Trans­ tan areas, OJ C 168, 20.7.2007, p. 77. port System).C 175/48 EN Official Journal of the European Union 28.7.2009

2.9 Health 2.10.5 The EESC considers that unavoidable expenditure is

weighing increasingly on the least well-off, threatening their e-integration, another factor contributing to loss of employment and social exclusion. The EU must ensure that prices remainTransport and energy developments also have an impact on pub­ affordable for ordinary people, while reinforcing energy security.lic health, which justifies taking steps to offset earlier choices, sub­ject to compliance with the Energy and Climate Package, alreadybeing prepared in the Commission White Paper on transport.

2.11 Social dialogue within companies

2.9.1 The causes of damage to health arising from regular

daily use of transport for long commuting journeys have animpact on social systems: difficulties of staying in work, stress, 2.11.1 Developments in transport and energy have an impact atasthenia, given the range of ailments observed in adults: allergies microeconomic level within the company, and the social dia­and RSI, and in young children: allergies, bronchiolitis, etc. logue should take account of this.

The use of non-sustainable energy causes pollution of air, fresh

— The social dialogue could look at staff and managementand salt water, soil, the food derived from it. Moreover, the return training in sustainable, energy efficient-lifestyles and non-to nuclear energy with its potential dangers should be given con­ polluting transport.sideration, as well as public education on nuclear energy, whichis becoming a necessity in view of the increase in demand for thisform of energy in the Member States which produce it and theirageing nuclear power plants. — There could be an obligation to negotiate a sustainable mobility plan for the company or service.

2.10 Employment — The employer could be encouraged to recognise employ­ ees’ transport costs as part of the minimum salary package,2.10.1 Growth (Lisbon strategy) and sustainable development according to scales to be established by social dialogue.come up against expensive energy and transport and nowthe effects of the financial crisis. Social and employment-related issues connected with the social dimension of the Lisbonstrategy must be taken into account. Liberalisation has already — The establishment of certification for businesses (15), to behad major consequences for workers in the gas/electricity sector. defined through social dialogue.

2.10.2 The increasing ‘communitarisation’ of climate policy in — The sharing should then be negotiated of the gains obtainedthe EU call for a genuine social dialogue at macroeconomic from cutting energy consumption and transport use at work,level, leading to negotiations on future ‘climate plans’ for Europe, which would be evaluated on the basis of criteria to bein order to avoid distorting competition and social dumping. The defined by dialogue.European Commission could help the social partners by introduc­ing a mechanism enabling them to anticipate, prevent and, wherenecessary, take flanking measures to accompany the far-reachingeconomic and social changes which will result from the imple­ This is a whole new area for social dialogue within companies.mentation of the new climate policies which will affect transportand energy.

2.12 Culture and education

2.10.3 The EESC believes that the resources devoted to appliedresearch should be genuinely increased so that the developmentof innovative technologies can create jobs, in particular in SMEsand micro-businesses. 2.12.1 Transport and energy have long had a cultural dimen­ sion, which has been made accessible to many citizens as a result of the democratisation of transport and energy. This dimension, which has become part and parcel of European integration, must2.10.4 The EESC supports extension of the EGF (European be preserved. It is a human challenge for the understanding andGlobalisation Adjustment Fund) to limit the negative effects on practice of European diversity.workers of measures to tackle climate change. The EESC consid­ers that all disadvantaged social groups who are at risk of povertyor who suffer from exclusion should be covered, and that the (15) Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)-type certification, 1995workings of this fund consequently need to be reviewed, begin­ Regulation, revised in 2002 and 2004, Regulation 761/2001 on vol­ning with widening of the criteria for access to the EGF. untary participation.28.7.2009 EN Official Journal of the European Union C 175/49

2.12.2 The EESC therefore believes that the developments now Even when people have the opportunity to make responsibleunderway present an opportunity to promote citizenship edu­ choices, they do not have the necessary information. Two comple­cation starting in schools for a better understanding of other mentary levels of action would enable the Union to act whileEuropeans and a properly managed use of transport and energy maintaining the competitiveness of its businesses:resources. It would also aim to teach everyday acts of citizenship,while at the same time taking account of the most disadvantaged — at macroeconomic level, as demonstrated by the EESCgroups in society, such as the disabled, the elderly and those suf­ Opinion of 20 February 2008 (18);fering from social exclusion. Such education could be combined — at microeconomic level, where consumer choice would bewith health education, which it would usefully complement (16). made possible if companies, on the basis of standardised EMAS-type certification, showed the carbon production added at each stage of the value chain on the label of every2.13 Action of organised civil society product, good or service. Partial trials of this approach are already underway in Great Britain and, outside the EU, in2.13.1 I n d i v i d u a l a c t i o n Vancouver, Canada. This labelling system, comparable to that for VAT, would raiseEveryone is obliged to acquaint themselves with, and is entitled to people’s awareness when consuming goods and services. ‘APC-expect transparency in, the decisions that come from both the Added Production of CO2’ would be shown on every accountinginstitutions and structures such as regulatory bodies. The EESC document, from the till receipt from the supermarket to the paybelieves that a major publicity campaign is needed. slip. It would apply to every product and service and would enable everyone in the EU to see what was at stake on the basis of objec­ tive information.The EESC reiterates its support for the Commission’s proposal of5 July 2007 (17) for a European Charter on the Rights of Payment of the costs of CO2 production would not be linked toEnergy Consumers, which would guarantee their rights, the pro­ this. The priority at this point is to raise awareness among every­tection of which ‘cannot be left to market forces alone’ (Charter one using a simple method in all sectors.points 1.2 and 1.8). The EESC considers that international trade negotiations could adopt this European practice. The results could be included in2.13.2 P u b l i c a c t i o n trade documents that have already been standardised, along the lines of Edifact and subject to annual monitoring by civil society: the Economic Commission for Europe, for example, reports to theResponding to the challenges of energy policy calls for a degree United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) annuallyof social mobilisation which requires the support of citizens on the state of Edifact.and voluntary effort on their part. The EU has a head start in recognising the need to consider trans­ port, energy and the environment together as three parts of theTo this end the EESC suggests raising public and consumer same policy. It could turn this to good account at internationalawareness by carbon labelling of all consumer products. level.

Brussels, 4 December 2008.

The President of the European Economic The Secretary-General of the European Economic and Social Committee and Social Committee Mario SEPI Martin WESTLAKE